London 3NE: Norwich are ready for a tough test

After a week off Norwich return to league action this week with a trip to Wisbech.

It is hoped that the Wisbech pitch will have dried out enough for play to go ahead as it caused the cancellation of the game against Beccles two weeks ago.

Wisbech are notoriously strong on home turf and this will be a big game for Norwich leading into the following week’s fixtures against the league leaders Beccles prior to the Christmas break.

Norwich have been able to pick from a strong squad of players although final selection will depend on some seasonal illness issues.

Pete Hoskings makes a welcome return to the team following time out with a broken toe. David Byrne may well feature this week having been out since late September following a nasty injury he suffered in collision with a pitch side post at Harlow.

The consensus seems to be that this is the most closely contested league in recent years so being able to select from a strong squad will be very important to Norwich’s chances. The visitors lost this fixture two years ago when the two teams last played and Norwich will be keen to return the favour. Preparations this week have gone well after two good training sessions.

After several weeks out with a broken finger, Jordi Walker’s comeback game will be with a strong Lions side who this week host Wisbech II. The Lions include in their numbers Clarke Hindle, George Pope, Matt Cartwright, Scott Norman, Sam Sadd and Chris Parrott. Subject to a fitness test, speedster David Smillie could make his first start of the year in the Lions after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Beccles will be aiming to maintain their fine run of form tomorrow when they entertain a Wanstead side who are currently fifth in the table.